UAE vs Iraq preview: Make or break for Mahdi Ali’s men

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  • Finding his rhythm: Omar Abdulrahman (l) showed signs of his very best against Kuwait.

    The UAE are firm in their belief that they need to go all out for the win in their final Group B game against Iraq to continue their Gulf Cup defence, according to coach Mahdi Ali.

    – Ali forced to defend controversial team selection
    – UAE held to 2-2 draw with Kuwait

    UAE put on a much-improved performance on Monday against Kuwait but two goals in two minutes saw them fall to a second-successive draw, leaving progression in the balance.

    Tonight’s decisive match is a repeat of the 2013 decider in which the UAE soared to a 2-1 extra-time triumph.

    Although another stalemate could see them sneak through if results go their way elsewhere, a similar triumph to the one registered in the previous edition’s finale is the only guarantor of a semi-final spot.

    They face opponents in an even-more desperate position after claiming only one point thus far.

    “Our game with Iraq is the decisive match to qualify for the second round,” coach Ali said. “Achieving a positive result is required to do this.

    “We know the Iraq team well. They have been quite unlucky in both of their games, and in general they have quality players and are a strong team physically.

    “Even if we had won the previous game, the opinion of people can vary. We had the chances [against Kuwait] to make it 3 or 4-0; it is not my opinion [that] there was a decline in performance.”

    The expected starting line-ups for both teams will have altered little from the last tournament in Bahrain, with bosses Ali and Hakeem Shaker sticking steadfastly with their developing sides.

    With so many familiar faces in opposition, including prodigal Al Dhafra loanee Humam Tariq, Ali was asked if he was worried revenge would play a key element in the clash at King Fahd International Stadium.

    “I think there are not so many changes to the Iraq team,” he said. “Most of the players who played in the final they are playing still. “I do not like to speak about revenge and all these things. For us, it is just a game.”

    There was a similar message from the Lions of Mesopotamia camp, albeit delivered by assistant coach Safaa Adnan Dawood after Shaker declined to attend yet another media event in the Saudi capital.

    “This tournament is to promote peace and love across Gulf nations, [so there’s no element of revenge],” he said. “Hopefully, we will represent our country with a good level to satisfy the fans.”

    Ali delivered mixed news in regards to injuries for the UAE, revealing centre midfielder Amer Abdulrahman is struggling to feature while praising star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman for playing “better and better” following a lengthy spell out with injury.

    For Iraq, Ali Adnan and Salam Shakir are suspended while midfielder Yaser Kasim must return to Swindon Town following his goal-scoring exploits against Oman.

    The Whites are yet to register a convincing display for 90 minutes, sinking to a goalless draw against Oman before flattering to deceive against Kuwait.

    Ali insisted that the pressure of being champions was not a cause of their fitful form.

    He said: “Pressure is a part of the game, we have played many competitions with this.

    “I do not think the pressure is affecting us in this competition. We know how to deal with this.”

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